Not so long ago, many women didn’t even ask this question. Not because the answer was obvious — but because for many, it was simply taboo.
For a long time, sex during menstruation belonged to the category of topics that felt shameful or uncomfortable to talk about. And even though we live in the age of information, this taboo hasn’t disappeared — it has just become more subtle.
So where did it come from?
Why Sex During Periods Was Once Considered “Forbidden”
The word taboo originates from Polynesian cultures and referred to an absolute prohibition — something that could not even be questioned. Menstruation became one of the earliest taboo topics in human history.
In some cultures and religions, menstruation was — and in some places still is — considered “impure.” As a result, menstruating women were (or still are) forbidden to:
- touch food
- sleep next to their partner
- have sexual intercourse (interestingly, in Islam, intimacy without intercourse is permitted)
In extreme cases, women were even separated from their communities or sent away from their homes — all to avoid “contaminating” others or bringing misfortune.
To understand this, context matters. At the time:
- there was no access to clean running water
- there were no hygiene products
- there was no understanding of bacteria or infections
Sex during menstruation could indeed be risky — not because of menstruation itself, but because of the surrounding conditions.
When Science Tried to “Prove” Women Were Dangerous
In the early 20th century, attempts were made to justify this taboo “scientifically.” Some claimed that menstruating women released harmful substances that could spoil food or weaken others.
Today, these ideas sound absurd. None of these claims were ever proven. But perhaps this is where many myths that still linger today were born.
What Does Medicine Say Today?
Today, the answer is simple.
Menstrual blood itself is not dangerous. It’s a normal biological process.
Modern medicine states that if there are no medical contraindications and there is mutual consent, sex during your period is possible. That’s it.
However, there are nuances worth knowing. During menstruation:
- the body may be more sensitive
- the cervix may be slightly more open
This means that without a condom, the risk of sexually transmitted infections may be slightly higher. Because of this, it’s recommended to:
- use condoms (yes — pregnancy is still possible during your period)
- pay attention to proper intimate hygiene
- listen to your body’s signals
This isn’t a ban — it’s a conscious, informed choice that prioritizes safety and well-being.
Practical Considerations (without romanticizing)
If you choose to have sex during your period, the question isn’t “Is it allowed?” but rather “How can I feel comfortable and at ease?”
Before:
- place a towel or protection on the bedding
- wash your hands
- use gentle intimate cleansers
- never douche — only wash the external genital area (the vulva)
- make sure protection is available
After:
- urinate
- gently wash the vulva, avoiding harsh products
- change into clean underwear — for comfort, protection, and peace of mind, we recommend GENIAL menstrual underwear
Most importantly: there should be no pressure. Not from your partner. Not from yourself. You can stop at any time if your body signals discomfort, pain, or unease.
What About Endometriosis and Other Conditions?
Some scientific discussions mention the hypothesis of retrograde menstruation — when some menstrual blood flows back into the pelvic cavity — which may be linked to endometriosis.
It’s important to know:
- this is not a proven cause of endometriosis
- it does not apply to all women
- science is still searching for answers in this area
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
The answer is simple, even if it’s not comfortable for everyone.
Sex during your period isn’t forbidden if there are no medical contraindications.
But it’s also not mandatory.
Today, we have more knowledge, more choice, and more freedom to decide for ourselves.
This content was reviewed by obstetrician-gynecologist
Prof. Dr. Kristina Jariene.
